Gov makes brief statement on Rezko verdict

June 4, 2008 11:19:04 PM PDT

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich held a brief news conference Wednesday following the guilty verdict in the corruption trial of one of his former top advisers, Tony Rezko. Blagojevich met with the media at the Thompson center in Chicago, delivered a prepared statement, took no questions and left.

Blagojevich's name was mentioned in Rezko's trial, but he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Blagojevich, who has a personal and professional relationship with Rezko, has called the fundraiser a friend in the past. A video posted on YouTube shows the men at a fundraising event. Rezko has been a top fundraiser for Blagojevich.

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who said his relationship with Blagojevich is strained, believes the governor owes voters a full explanation of his relationship with Rezko. He accuses Blagojevich of deceiving the public about the possibility of recalling politicians.

"Governor Blagojevich betrayed us. He did not support recall when the vote came up this year on recall. He said he was for it, but in fact he worked against it. I think that really is a sad day for our state, that the voters this November don't have a chance to vote for a constitutional amendment that would give people an opportunity with recall to have accountability from the chief executive every day of his term, not just on election day," said Lt. Gov. Quinn.

The governor did release a statement saying:

"Tony Rezko is a friend and was a supporter. On a personal level, I am deeply sad for what has happened to Tony. I am profoundly sad for his children and his wife Rita. My heart goes out to all of them. The jury's decision is yet another reminder that ours is a system of government that is ruled by laws, and not by men. I respect the decision made by the jury. As for me, I will continue to get up every single day to work as hard as I possibly can for the people. Tomorrow I will meet with the legislative leaders so that we can balance the budget in a way that is fair and helps people. And I am working on passing a capital bill that will stimulate our economy and create more than 500,000 jobs."